scholarly journals A Pilot Study of Increasing Nonpurposeful Movement Breaks at Work as a Means of Reducing Prolonged Sitting

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dean Cooley ◽  
Scott Pedersen
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Health Intervention ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
Computer Screen ◽  
Occupational Sitting ◽  
Prolonged Sitting ◽  
Physical Activity Interventions ◽  
Movement Break ◽  
Professional Workplace

There is a plethora of workplace physical activity interventions designed to increase purposeful movement, yet few are designed to alleviate prolonged occupational sitting time. A pilot study was conducted to test the feasibility of a workplace e-health intervention based on a passive approach to increase nonpurposeful movement as a means of reducing sitting time. The study was trialled in a professional workplace with forty-six participants (33 females and 13 males) for a period of twenty-six weeks. Participants in the first thirteen weeks received a passive prompt every 45 minutes on their computer screen reminding them to stand and engage in nonpurposeful activity throughout their workday. After thirteen weeks, the prompt was disabled, and participants were then free to voluntary engage the software. Results demonstrated that when employees were exposed to a passive prompt, as opposed to an active prompt, they were five times more likely to fully adhere to completing a movement break every hour of the workday. Based on this pilot study, we suggest that the notion that people are willing to participate in a coercive workplace e-health intervention is promising, and there is a need for further investigation.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of the Stand More AT (SMArT) Work intervention: cluster randomised controlled trial

BMJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
pp. k3870 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte L Edwardson ◽  
Tom Yates ◽  
Stuart J H Biddle ◽  
Melanie J Davies ◽  
David W Dunstan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
Sickness Absenteeism ◽  
Occupational Sitting ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Prolonged Sitting ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Occupational Fatigue

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the impact of a multicomponent intervention (Stand More AT (SMArT) Work) designed to reduce sitting time on short (three months), medium (six months), and longer term (12 months) changes in occupational, daily, and prolonged sitting, standing, and physical activity, and physical, psychological, and work related health. Design Cluster two arm randomised controlled trial. Setting National Health Service trust, England. Participants 37 office clusters (146 participants) of desk based workers: 19 clusters (77 participants) were randomised to the intervention and 18 (69 participants) to control. Interventions The intervention group received a height adjustable workstation, a brief seminar with supporting leaflet, workstation instructions with sitting and standing targets, feedback on sitting and physical activity at three time points, posters, action planning and goal setting booklet, self monitoring and prompt tool, and coaching sessions (month 1 and every three months thereafter). The control group continued with usual practice. Main outcome measures The primary outcome was occupational sitting time (thigh worn accelerometer). Secondary outcomes were objectively measured daily sitting, prolonged sitting (≥30 minutes), and standing time, physical activity, musculoskeletal problems, self reported work related health (job performance, job satisfaction, work engagement, occupational fatigue, sickness presenteeism, and sickness absenteeism), cognitive function, and self reported psychological measures (mood and affective states, quality of life) assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months. Data were analysed using generalised estimating equation models, accounting for clustering. Results A significant difference between groups (in favour of the intervention group) was found in occupational sitting time at 12 months (−83.28 min/workday, 95% confidence interval −116.57 to −49.98, P=0.001). Differences between groups (in favour of the intervention group compared with control) were observed for occupational sitting time at three months (−50.62 min/workday, −78.71 to −22.54, P<0.001) and six months (−64.40 min/workday, −97.31 to −31.50, P<0.001) and daily sitting time at six months (−59.32 min/day, −88.40 to −30.25, P<0.001) and 12 months (−82.39 min/day, −114.54 to −50.26, P=0.001). Group differences (in favour of the intervention group compared with control) were found for prolonged sitting time, standing time, job performance, work engagement, occupational fatigue, sickness presenteeism, daily anxiety, and quality of life. No differences were seen for sickness absenteeism. Conclusions SMArT Work successfully reduced sitting time over the short, medium, and longer term, and positive changes were observed in work related and psychological health. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN10967042 .

scholarly journals Longitudinal Changes in Sitting Patterns, Physical Activity, and Health Outcomes in Adolescents

Children ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Contardo Ayala ◽  
Jo Salmon ◽  
David Dunstan ◽  
Lauren Arundell ◽  
Kate Parker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Anthropometric Measures ◽  
Prolonged Sitting ◽  
Intensity Physical Activity ◽  
Changes Over Time

This study examined two-year changes in patterns of activity and associations with body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) among adolescents. Inclinometers (activPAL) assessed sitting, sitting bouts, standing, stepping, and breaks from sitting. ActiGraph-accelerometers assessed sedentary time (SED), light-intensity physical activity (LIPA, stratified as low- and high-LIPA), and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Anthropometric measures were objectively assessed at baseline and self-reported at follow-up. Data from 324 and 67 participants were obtained at baseline and follow-up, respectively. Multilevel mixed-effects linear regression models examined changes over time, and associations between baseline values and BMI and WC at follow-up. There were significant increases in BMI (0.6 kg/m2) and durations of prolonged sitting (26.4 min/day) and SED (52 min/day), and significant decreases in stepping (−19 min/day), LIPA (−33 min/day), low-LIPA (−26 min/day), high-LIPA (−6.3 min/day), MVPA (−19 min/day), and the number of breaks/day (−8). High baseline sitting time was associated (p = 0.086) with higher BMI at follow-up. There were no significant associations between baseline sitting, prolonged sitting, LIPA, or MVPA with WC. Although changes in daily activity patterns were not in a favourable direction, there were no clear associations with BMI or WC. Research with larger sample sizes and more time points is needed.

scholarly journals Association between physical activity, occupational sitting time and mortality in a general population: An 18-year prospective survey in Tanushimaru, Japan

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (7) ◽  
pp. 758-766 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akiko Sakaue ◽  
Hisashi Adachi ◽  
Mika Enomoto ◽  
Ako Fukami ◽  
Eita Kumagai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
General Population ◽  
Hazard Ratio ◽  
Adjusted Hazard Ratio ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
Inverse Association ◽  
Physical Activity Questionnaire ◽  
Occupational Sitting ◽  
Activity Questionnaire

Aims It is well known that a decline in physical activity is associated with an increase of all-cause death including cardiovascular events and cancer. Few studies have examined the association between occupational sitting time and mortality. Therefore, we investigated this issue in a general population. Methods Physical activity and occupational sitting time were measured using the Baecke physical activity questionnaire in 1999. The questionnaire generated indices in three physical activity categories: work, sport and leisure-time. A total physical activity index was calculated by adding these three indices. The Baecke physical activity questionnaire was able to evaluate occupational sitting time. Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using Cox's proportional hazard regression models. Results We enrolled a total of 1680 participants, who were followed up for 15.9 ± 3.8 years. The final follow-up rate was 93%. During the follow-up period, 397 subjects died. A significant inverse association ( p < 0.0001) was found between physical activity and mortality after adjustment for age and sex. Compared with lower levels of physical activity, the adjusted hazard ratio for mortality at higher levels of physical activity was 0.85 (95% CI: 0.78–0.92). Longer occupational sitting time was also significantly associated with higher mortality ( p < 0.01). The adjusted hazard ratio for mortality at longer occupational sitting time was 1.16 (95% CI: 1.05–1.27). These findings were observed in males, but not in females. Conclusions Our data demonstrated that higher levels of physical activity are associated with a reduced risk of cancer and cardiovascular death. Further, longer occupational sitting time is associated with increased mortality.

scholarly journals The effectiveness of sedentary behaviour interventions on sitting time and screen time in children and adults: an umbrella review of systematic reviews

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Phuong Nguyen ◽  
Long Khanh-Dao Le ◽  
Dieu Nguyen ◽  
Lan Gao ◽  
David W. Dunstan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Sedentary Behaviour ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Screen Time ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Umbrella Review ◽  
Occupational Sitting ◽  
Meta Analyses

Abstract Background There is increasing concern about the time people spend in sedentary behaviour, including screen time, leisure and occupational sitting. The number of both primary research studies (published trials) and reviews has been growing rapidly in this research area. A summary of the highest level of evidence that provides a broader quantitative synthesis of diverse types of interventions is needed. This research is to articulate the evidence of efficacy of sedentary behaviour interventions to inform interventions to reduce sitting time. The umbrella review, therefore, synthesised systematic reviews that conducted meta-analyses of interventions aiming at reducing sedentary behaviour outcomes across all age group and settings. Method A systematic search was conducted on six databases (MEDLINE Complete, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Global Health via EBSCOhost platform, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Systematic Reviews). Included articles were systematic reviews with meta-analysis of interventions aiming at reducing sedentary behaviour (screen time, sitting time or sedentary time) in the general population across all age group. Results Seventeen reviews met the inclusion criteria (7 in children and adolescent, 10 in adults). All reviews of sedentary behaviour interventions in children and adolescents investigated intervention effectiveness in reducing screen time. Six out of 11 meta-analyses (reported in 7 reviews) showed small but significant changes in viewing time. All reviews of sedentary behaviour interventions in office workplaces indicated substantial reduction in occupational sitting time (range: 39.6 to 100 min per 8-h workday). Sub-group analyses reported a trend favouring environmental change components such as sit-stand desks, active permissive workstations etc. Meta-analyses indicated that sedentary behaviour interventions were superior to physical activity alone interventions or combined physical activity and sedentary behaviour interventions in reducing sitting time. Conclusion The current systematic reviews and meta-analyses supported sedentary behaviour interventions for reducing occupational sitting time in particular, with small changes seen in screen time in children and adolescents. Future research should explore approaches to maintaining behaviour change beyond the intervention period and investigate the potential of sedentary behaviour reduction interventions in older age groups in non-occupational settings.

scholarly journals Physical activity, diet and quality of life during mandatory (COVID-19) quarantine following repatriation

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 2050313X2097250
Author(s):  
Philippe Jean-Luc Gradidge ◽  
Herculina Salome Kruger
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
South African ◽  
Cardiovascular Health ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Prolonged Sitting ◽  
Online Tools

The coronavirus disease 2019 crisis in South Africa has been managed through an effective evidence-based approach. The aim of this case report was to determine the value of staying physically active during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, using online resources to prevent the harmful effects of sedentary behaviour under confined living conditions. A repatriated South African citizen was placed into monitored 14-day quarantine confined to a room, self-monitoring dietary intake and physical and health measures, while engaged in online exercise videos and indoor walking. This study demonstrates that structured indoor activity improves physical and mental health outcomes, despite prolonged sitting time during the day. During the current pandemic and in the presence of limited freedom of movement, sustained physical activity is made feasible by accessing online tools and resources, essentially reducing vulnerability to existing cardiovascular health concerns. However, these findings are based on a single participant and therefore further study is required.

scholarly journals Increasing Physical Activity Efficiently: An Experimental Pilot Study of a Website and Mobile Phone Intervention

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kjærsti Thorsteinsen ◽  
Joar Vittersø ◽  
Gunnvald Bendix Svendsen
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Progress Monitoring ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Local Newspapers ◽  
Physical Activity Interventions ◽  
Daily Report ◽  
Intensity Of Exercise

The main objective of this pilot study was to test the effectiveness of an online, interactive physical activity intervention that also incorporated gaming components. The intervention design included an activity planner, progress monitoring, and gamification components and used SMS text as a secondary delivery channel and feedback to improve engagement in the intervention content. Healthy adults (n=21) recruited through ads in local newspapers (age 35–73) were randomized to the intervention or the control condition. Both groups reported physical activity using daily report forms in four registration weeks during the three-month study: only the experiment condition received access to the intervention. Analyses showed that the intervention group had significantly more minutes of physical activity in weeks five and nine. We also found a difference in the intensity of exercise in week five. Although the intervention group reported more minutes of physical activity at higher intensity levels, we were not able to find a significant effect at the end of the study period. In conclusion, this study adds to the research on the effectiveness of using the Internet and SMS text messages for delivering physical activity interventions and supports gamification as a viable intervention tool.

‘Too Much Sitting’ and Metabolic Risk—Has Modern Technology Caught Up with Us?

2009 ◽  
Vol 05 (01) ◽  
pp. 29 ◽  
Author(s):  
David W Dunstan ◽  
Genevieve N Healy ◽  
Takemi Sugiyama ◽  
Neville Owen ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
Television Viewing ◽  
Modern Technology ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
Metabolic Risk ◽  
Epidemiological Evidence ◽  
Prolonged Sitting ◽  
Sedentary Behavior Time

Recent epidemiological evidence suggests that prolonged sitting (sedentary behavior: time spent in behaviors that have very low energy expenditure, such as television viewing and desk-bound work) has deleterious cardiovascular and metabolic correlates, which are present even among adults who meet physical activity and health guidelines. Further advances in communication technology and other labor-saving innovations make it likely that the ubiquitous opportunities for sedentary behavior that currently exist will become even more prevalent in the future. We present evidence that sedentary behavior (too much sitting) is an important stand-alone component of the physical activity and health equation, particularly in relation to cardio-metabolic risk, and discuss whether it is now time to consider public health and clinical guidelines on reducing prolonged sitting time that are in addition to those promoting regular participation in physical activity.

scholarly journals Sedentary Behavior, Cardiovascular Risk and Importance of Physical Activity and Breaking-Up Sedentary Behavior

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Imtiyaz Ali Mir
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Chronic Illnesses ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Prolonged Sitting ◽  
Quality Of Living

Sedentary behavior (SB) is one of the common leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and all-cause mortality. However, not much is known concerning the relationship between SB and CV risk factors. This chapter aimed to explore the scientific knowledge that examines the association between SB and CV risk factors and its association with the development of CVD. Besides, the focus on preventing the SB by avoiding prolonged sitting and breaking-up the extended periods of sitting, and participating in physical activity (PA) are usually highlighted in this chapter, explaining how these intervention protocols can reduce the burden of CVD due to SB. Regardless of the known benefits of both PA and taking frequent breaks when engaging in sedentary tasks, the adaptation of a physically active lifestyle has remained very low because of various reasons; habitual behavior, insufficient or lack of time, misconceptions of CVD related health benefits from PA. Thus, it is very important to break these barriers associated with PA and encourage the physically inactive population, especially those who practice prolonged sitting to actively participate in PA and break the prolonged sitting time with regular interval breaks. Therefore, promotion of PA and limiting the sedentary tasks which would lead to improved levels of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and better quality of living is necessary among all age groups, gender and ethnicities to prevent many chronic illnesses, specifically CVD and its associated risks related to SB.

Occupational sitting time, its determinants and intervention strategies in Malaysian office workers: a mixed-methods study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saiful Adli Suhaimi ◽  
Andre Matthias Müller ◽  
Eliza Hafiz ◽  
Selina Khoo
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Intervention Strategies ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Barriers And Facilitators ◽  
Office Workers ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
Occupational Sitting ◽  
Prolonged Sitting ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Malaysian Government

Abstract Adults who accumulate a lot of sedentary time per day are at an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. Prolonged sitting is also associated with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. With the increase in desk-based office work, many office workers spend long hours sitting at the workplace. The aim of this study was to assess occupational sitting time in Malaysian government office workers, and investigate determinants of occupational sitting time and potential strategies to interrupt sitting time. We conducted a mixed-methods study consisting of a survey and focus group discussions (FGDs). A total of 1338 office workers from 24 Malaysian ministries completed the Occupational Sitting and Physical Activity Questionnaire. Twenty-nine office workers who spent at least 7 h per day sitting at work participated in FGDs. We enquired about knowledge, awareness and perceptions related to prolonged sitting time, barriers and facilitators to sitting time at work, and potential intervention strategies. Mean daily sitting time at work was 5.96 h (standard deviation = 1.37 h). FDGs confirmed barriers and facilitators to sitting time in accordance with the social-ecological model for health. Intrapersonal, social and physical environmental factors as well as organizational culture and organizational policy were mentioned to affect occupational sitting time. The results show that Malaysian government office workers spent a significant amount of time sitting at work and we identified multi-level factors influencing sitting time. A smartphone-based intervention to interrupt sitting time at work was suggested and is currently being tested.

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